SOUTHERN AFRICA. 49 
more expert, and much lefs to be depended on, than the Hot- 
tentots j to whom, indeed, they even preferred the ftupid ne- 
groes of Mofambique and Madagafcar. 
Whether it happened from real ignorance of the charader of 
thefe natives, or from ftrong prejudices imbibed againft them, 
or from an adherence to a narrow policy, I cannot pretend to 
determine ; but, from the enquiries I have made, it does not 
appear they have at any period experienced a treatment equally 
favourable to that of the meaneft flaves. Not many years ago 
it was thought expedient, for fome purpofe or other, to afTem- 
ble a confiderable number in or near the town, but the bufinefs 
for which they were collected, dwindling into a job for the 
emolument of the perfons who had the management of it ; and 
as the Hottentots were neither paid, clothed, nor fed, they ex- 
hibited a fcene of filth, mifery, and wretchednefs ; they be- 
came a nuifance to the town, and were in confequence dif- 
banded. 
The colonifts were ready to predict a fimilar fate to the at- 
tempt of Sir James Craig, of forming them into a corps ; but 
their predictions ended in their difappointment. Never," ob- 
ferves Sir James, *' were people more contented or more 
" grateful for the treatment they now receive. We have up- 
" wards of three hundred who have been with us nine months. 
It is, therefore, with the opportunity of knowing them well, 
" that I venture to pronounce them an intelligent race of men. 
" All who bear arms exercife well, and underftand immediately, 
" and perfectly, whatever they are taught to perform. Many 
VOL, II. H " of 
